How do I find social networking sites?

Use Google to search for “social networking sites” to find a list of all social networking sites. Then add a qualifier to reflect a specific interest, for example, “scuba diving” or “political activism.” A good place to startis http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_social_networking_websites.

What are the potential dangers of social networking sites?

The danger mostly associated with social networking sites is that a user will physically meet someone they think they know from a social networking site and that person will turn out to be a predator. A more common danger is that private information will be used or stolen without the user’s knowledge.

How do I control my privacy on a social networking site?

Look for a link or a menu tab to “privacy” or “privacy settings,” and then click through to read the site’s privacy policy and set your preferred options. Be sure to do this when you first register on the site; in many cases, the default setting may allow more access to your private data than you might expect.

Are social networking sites safe for children and teens?

The more reputable social networking sites make good faith efforts to protect users, but it’s impossible for them to verify their users’ identities. It’s never safe for a child or teen to meet with a stranger—and someone that you know very well online is still a stranger.